Mock Draft: Defense will be big, but will Kyler Murray top the first round of NFL Draft

MOCK DRAFT: Defense will be big, but will Kyler Murray top the first round of NFL Draft

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — We learned during the 2018 season that offense is beloved by NFL teams (and fans). We also learned that defense, as performed by the Patriots in the Super Bowl, carries away the Lombardi Trophy.

This year's draft, which begins Thursday night, is stocked with defenders who can be difference-makers. Many of them play up front and will go very high in the proceedings.

Here's one view of the first round, presuming no trades — something extremely unlikely.

Jerome MironJerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Pick #1 - Arizona Cardinals

You don't hire a new coach out of college who plays a specific system and then not give him what he considers the perfect player to run that scheme. So Kliff Kingsbury gets ...

Pick #6 - New York Giants

Around the Big Apple, fans are salivating about the Giants taking Eli Manning's successor at quarterback in this spot. Sorry, New Yorkers, you'll have to wait. Defense first, if that sounds familiar in this draft.

MONTEZ SWEAT, LB-DE, MISSISSIPPI STATE

Brian SpurlockBrian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Pick #7 - Jacksonville Jaguars

Tom Coughlin stays in-state for a protector for his new QB, Nick Foles.

Pick #16 - Carolina Panthers

Another team that is looking for a developmental passer. With several likely available later on, the Panthers grab something more pressing.

JONAH WILLIAMS, OT, ALABAMA

Brian SpurlockBrian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Pick #17 - New York Giants (from Cleveland)

New York Giants (from Cleveland) — CRUSHED! New York figured it could get Jones here, and considering he's been coached by the same guy who handled Eli and Peyton Manning in college, he was a perfect fit. Sorry, Big Blue.

DEVIN BUSH, LB, MICHIGAN

Kim KlementKim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Pick #18 - Minnesota Vikings

If they go by need, the Vikings have their choice of blockers to fill a major void.

CODY FORD, OL, OKLAHOMA

Kevin JairajKevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Pick #19 - Tennessee Titans

The Titans' temptation could be taking a tight end or wideout. They also could use help on both lines. Time to boost the excitement quotient.

D.K. METCALF, WR, MISSISSIPPI

Matt BushMatt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Pick #20 - Pittsburgh Steelers

An offseason of turmoil and sea change has placed added emphasis and attention on this pick. Strange to see Pittsburgh with so many holes.